The passage "There may be a devilish Indian behind every tree" shows how insecure Goodman Brown is as he travels through the forest, exposing himself to danger, and even evil itself. Goodman Brown is tempted to turn around and go home but he continues onward, though his fear is evident when he says "What if the devil himself should be at my very elbow!" Just then he notices a man, similar in appearance to himself, sitting under a tree. This man speaks as if he was expecting Brown although Brown is surprised to see him. The mysterious man represents the previously unrecognized evil nature of Goodman Brown, although Goodman Brown is reluctant to continue, the man convinces him to go just a little further. Goodman Brown tries to explain why he wishes to turn back by saying, "My father never went into the woods on such an errand, nor his father before him. We have been a race of honest men and good Christians - The mysterious man replies that he has walked this road with all Brown's ancestors before, and therefore, convinces Brown to continue the path. The man also explains that even people he knows who are thought to be dignified and honorable have taken the path. Goodman Brown comes across Goody Cloyce who taught him his catechism in youth, as well as the minister and Deacon Gookin who were his spiritual and moral advisors. Seeing them on the same path is assuring, but at the same time makes him begin to doubt the faith that he has in the people that he thinks to be of a higher moral standard. .
A major turning point in the story is when Goodman Brown hears his wife's voice on the road in the forest " both saints and sinners seemed to encourage her onward." Goodman Brown desperately cries out to his Faith. The cloud of voices sweeps away and he is left in solitude. Now, he realizes that the one person who he truly loves and believes to be pure and good has an evil nature, too. Brown cries "There is no good on earth; and sin is but a name.
